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First Hand Experience?

Hey all!

I am considering purchasing the Rotel RB-1582Mkii power amp. I'm hoping that I can get get some first hand experiences/insights from anyone who has either owned this amp or who has thought about buying it and decided against it for whatever reason and what amp they ended up buying instead.
On paper it has some interesting features/specs and enough power to drive most any speaker but there don't seem to be too many reviews of it on the Internet.
Also, if you have owned it, what pre-amp did you use with it? Tube or Solid State?

Thanks in advanced for your replies!
wcc10
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,699 posts
 
I had it for a few weeks. Didn't care much for it . Too warm, missing details - at least in my system. I replaced it with Parasound A23, which was much cheaper. I preferred it over the  Rotel. It had better resolution, and more balanced over all. I was so impressed that I upgraded to Parasound A21 which I love. 
celtic66
1,681 posts
 
I've owned Rotel pieces, not that one exactly, but experienced their version of mid-fi.  They don't overcharge for what you get, it's just boring.  Why not an Odyssey piece?

What do you want it all to do?  You've left so many gaps:  room size, source, speakers, listening styles and budget.  That's probably why the initial silence.  This is not CSI, share something.

wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
OK.
Room about 24 x 24. Listening to some Jazz, lots of Blues & Adult Rock. Some Classical.
I do not own a modern turntable but plan on buying something in the future so it's mostly CD & USB from thumb drive & PC.
Speakers are B&W CM6 S2.
I was going to try tubes but have since decided that they will not work too well with the speakers. As I do not intend to change speakers right away I'm sort of stuck with transistors.
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
arafiq, you mentioned the Parasound amps. As I am using this for  2 channel music only. I'm curious about the THX certifications. Does that get in the way of a strictly music set up? In other words, would I be paying for something I don't want and, as it is designed for home theater also, is it an infringement on my needs?
facten
2,888 posts
 
Haven't mentioned what your preamp is?
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